Watal, a 1978 batch officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, is at present Secretary in Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.
The vacancy was necessitated as incumbent G B Pradhan is set to retire on December 31.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has also approved the appointment of Lov Verma, IAS (UP:78), as Secretary, Department of Aids Control in the Health Ministry.
The Committee has also approved additional charge of Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to P K Sinha, a 1977 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, in the absence on leave of A K Upadhyay, IAS (BH:75).
Sinha is at present Secretary, Ministry of Shipping.